Are you looking for a little history while in Missouri? There are several historic sites, but two in particular would be worth a special trip.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum
Mansfield, Missouri, is home to Rock Ridge Farm, better known as the Laura Ingalls Wilder House. It is the home that Laura and Almanzo built and resided from 1896 until her death in 1957 and where she wrote the Little House books. The home is one of the few surviving structures where Laura actually lived and is now a museum honoring her.The Museum and grounds are open from March 1st to November 15th. You can visit:
- The homes
- The Rose Wilder Lane museum
- The Rocky Ridge Bookstore
- Laura's Vegetable Garden
While you are in Mansfield, and if you love gardening, stop by Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. I have heard it is quite a site to behold! They specialize in preserving 19th century seeds including Asians and European varieties.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Hannibal, Missouri, is where Mark Twain lived and was the inspiration for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. There is a several structure museum and Mark Twain's boyhood home. You can even see the white picket fence bordering the home. A ticket to the full exhibit includes admittance into the following:- The Interpretive Center
- Mark Twin's Boyhood Home and Garden
- Boyhood Home Gift Shop
- Huckleberry Finn House (real home of "Huck Finn" [Tom Blankenship])
- Becky Thatcher House (real home of "Becky Thatcher" [Laura Hawkins])
- J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office (where Mark Twin's father was a judge)
- Grant's Drug Store (where the family lived for a while and where Mark Twain died)
- Museum Gallery
- Tom and Huck Statue
- Seasonal productions
These are definitely two trips that my kids and I will be taking in the future. In fact, we are doing a full year study on Little House on the Prairie starting in the fall, so a trip to Mansfield will be imminent.
Dusty @ The Moon and Back ~ Five Days of Babywearing
Kristi @ The Potter's Hand Academy ~ Five Days of Spring Studies
Jennifer @ Royal Little Lambs ~ Five Days of Essential Oils
Annette @ A Net in Time ~ Five Days of Science
Jen @ Happy Little Homemaker ~ Five Days of Frugal Fitness
Meg @ Adventures with Jude ~ Five Days of Homeschooling from the Kitchen
Lori @ At Home: Where Life Happens ~ Five Days of Favorite Books
Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker ~ Five Days of A Christ-Centered Home
These are some of my dream places to visit. I have loved the Laura books since I was little and am introducing them to my children, hoping they will enjoy them as much as I do. I have never been a huge fan of Mark Twain but enjoy visiting historic homes. Thank you for sharing these. - Lori H
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